Nerium oleander

Oleander is a rapidly growing evergreen, rounded shrub or small tree native to Europe and Asia.  It is a member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). The species epithet is derived from the genus name for olive (Olea) and references the leaves, which resemble those of the olive tree.

This plant dies in the winter in zone 7 and the upper bound of zone 8. It does best in the lower bound of zone 8 and zone 9. It is intolerant of low temperatures at or below 32 degrees F and may be damaged by cold winters. Prune back frost-damaged and dead branches once winter passes. Regular light pruning of the shrub after flowering in the late summer to early fall improves its shape. If needed, it can be severely pruned. When pruning, keep in mind that next seasons' blossoms and fruit will appear on new growth. In cold areas this plant can also be grown in a container that is moved indoors for the winter or as a houseplant.

Oleander grows to heights between 5 feet and 19.5 feet tall and 6 feet to 10 feet wide. Its large size makes it an ideal choice for use as a screening plant, or in the back of a border. Dwarf cultivars are also available. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained and fertile soil, although it is adaptable to many soil conditions. This plant blooms in late spring to late summer and it comes in a variety of flower colors, from pink to peach to white. Each flower has a corona, a raised, crown-like cup that surrounds the throat of the flower. The fruits are not ornamental. This shrub is highly deer and salt-tolerant, including salt spray so it works well in coastal gardens. It is also tolerant of heat, drought, wind, air pollution and poor soil (making them a favorite for plantings in medians and along highways)

ALL PARTS OF THIS PLANT ARE HIGHLY TOXIC AND MAY BE FATAL. When branches are broken, they exude a thick, gummy, sap which can cause contact dermatitis. People have been poisoned with cooking skewers fashioned from twigs of this plant. Smoke from burning material of this plant is injurious. Do not burn this plant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Aphids, caterpillars mealybugs and scale are occasional pests. Armillaria, leaf spot, and sooty mold occasionally occurs.

Quick ID Hints:

• Narrow leaves are opposite or in whorls of 3 or 4
• Fruit is a pair of follicles that have splits on the seam
• Shiny, stout, green stems
• Linear-lanceolate leaves are 4 to 7 inches long and less than an inch wide
• Showy, terminal, 5-petaled flowers that are 1 to 1.5 inches in size and are in cymes